Buying guide: refurbished smartphones

The refurbished smartphone market is booming in France. In 2025, nearly one in four phones sold is a refurbished device. And for good reason: it's the smartest way to get a high-end smartphone at a low price while doing something for the environment. But beware, not all refurbished phones are equal. Here is our complete guide to making the right choice.

What is a refurbished smartphone?

A refurbished smartphone is a second-hand device that has been inspected, tested, cleaned and if necessary repaired by a professional before being resold. Unlike a simple second-hand phone sold between individuals, a refurbished phone goes through a rigorous quality control process.

Technicians check every component: screen, battery, cameras, speakers, connectors, buttons, sensors. Defective parts are replaced. The software is reset and updated. The device is then classified according to its cosmetic condition.

Quality grades: A, B, C

The grading system lets you know the cosmetic condition of the phone. Here is what each grade means in practice.

Grade A (Excellent condition)

The smartphone is virtually like new. The screen is flawless, with no visible scratches. The casing may show tiny micro-scratches, invisible in normal use. This is the most expensive grade, but the experience is almost identical to a new device. Ideal if aesthetics are important to you.

Grade B (Good condition)

The phone shows light but visible signs of use: a few scratches on the casing, possibly very faint marks on the screen (visible only with the screen off at a certain angle). This is the best value for money. The imperfections are purely cosmetic and do not affect functionality in any way.

Grade C (Fair condition)

The device shows more noticeable signs of wear: visible scratches, small chips on the edges, light impact marks. The screen may have some perceptible scratches. Functionally, everything is perfect. This is the most economical choice, perfect if you use a protective case and tempered glass.

Essential points to check

Before buying a refurbished smartphone, here is the checklist of things to verify to avoid unpleasant surprises.

• Battery health: demand a battery with at least 85% of original capacity, ideally a new battery. This is the first component to age.

• Warranty: a serious refurbisher offers a minimum of 12 months warranty. Be wary of sellers offering only 3 months.